Course detail: Livestock Investigations

Course Description
This class discusses livestock theft from beginning to end. Included topics: how livestock theft tips are received, gathering of physical evidence, how to conduct follow-up after a theft has occurred, and using DNA as a prosecution tool.

Animal mutilation is also presented. Photographs from mutilation cases are shown and crime scenes are explained. Importance is also placed upon knowing your local livestock auction barn managers and building rapport with farmers and ranchers. 

Fence line disputes between owners will also be discussed. Stray cattle and found cattle, and how Sheriffs can bring these types of calls to a successful resolution will be presented. Liability issues if livestock are allowed to remain at large will also be covered. Also included in this discussion is why Kansas is not a brand state.

Other topics discussed: the Screwworm epidemic in Mexico that may enter the United States. Avian Influenza (known as bird flu), which is hitting many producers in Kansas. Chronic Wasting Disease is also covered, which has become a problem in Kansas deer herds.

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to: 
  • Identify various types of livestock
  • Recognize animal and livestock diseases
  • Investigate cattle theft
  • Identify prosecution tools and strategies in livestock theft cases
Core Competency
Investigations: Participants will employ best practices as they investigate any crime from its beginning to its eventual disposition; either as an individual, or as part of an investigatory team.

Instructional Methods
  • Lecture
  • Class Discussion
Who Should Attend
  • Law Enforcement
  • Investigators
Course Requirements
  • 100% Attendance and participation
Fitness Level Necessary for Successful Completion: Sedentary

 Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in an event, please email KLETC  or call 620.694.1400  at least three weeks before the first day of the event. Some events may require notice earlier than three weeks and require you to contact a specific individual; if so, that information is provided in the event-specific information.


Notice of Availability of the KLETC Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

The University of Kansas has determined that the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) main campus in Hutchinson and its regional sites in Dodge City, Hays, and Parsons are separate campuses. This determination was made in consultation with the Department of Education. The report is available online at: https://civilrights.ku.edu/clery.


The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking; the procedures the institution will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred On-Campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-Campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the institution or a recognized student organization; and on Public Property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.


 A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 785-864-6414 or emailing civilrights@ku.edu or arrange for pick-up at a KLETC location.

 Session Information: LE26149F

Schedule: Every day, starting on 12/17/25 and ending on 12/17/25
Times: 01:00pm-05:00pm CST

Facility Detail

Hays KLETC Regional Site
2101 E 13th Street
Hays, KS 67601